How cruel!

Thursday, 30th April

Luskentyre Bay, Durness, top left hand corner of Scotland

That’s Cruel!

If you are a Facebook member, you will know that every day when you open up for the first time, there will be a photo(s) of somewhere you had been a year or several ago. The above picture came up on my screen. At this present time it seems almost cruel to be reminded of where I cannot be!

Yet, when I think about it, it occurs to me that beauty spots like these will be no less beautiful for not having feet trampling carelessly over wild flowers, or wild animals and livestock being panicked by dogs allowed to roam unchecked or speedboats skimming recklessly over calm waters. Mother nature will manage very well, thankyou.

But will we realise that there is no better time to consider a C word which has to be of great concern? Not Covid, or even Cancer, but Climate. Whatever becomes of our new normal when it arrives, it will not last long unless we recognise that a rapid response to reducing the damage we have been doing to our planet is of paramount importance.

The Creation narratives in the early chapters of the book of Genesis, however mythical in nature, are offering a view of the earth as ours to steward responsibly. We have not done so in recent centuries, exploiting its resources for our own advantage regardless of the effect on climate and environment.

I find it hard to swallow the scorn in some circles directed at the passion and enthusiasm of the young like Greta Thunberg and school age climate strikers or even towards the experience and wisdom of David Attenborough. I just hope, in years to come, those young environmental campaigners won’t have to turn around and say, ‘we told you so.’

Earth Prayer

I am your mother: do not neglect me!

Children, protect me – I need your trust!

my breath is your breath,

my death is your death,

ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

I am your nurture, do not destroy me!

Love and enjoy me, savour my fruit;

my good is your good,

my food is your food,

water and flower, branches and root.

I am your lodging, do not abuse me!

Tenderly use me, soothing my scars;

my health is your health,

my wealth is your wealth,

shining with promise, set among stars.

God is our maker, do not deny God,

Challenge, defy God, threaten this place;

life is to cherish,

care or we perish!

I am your mother, tears on my face…

Shirley Elena Murray, Aotearoa, New Zealand © 1996 Hope Publishing

Prayer:

Mother, Father God,

For the beauty of this earth – we thank you,

For our misuse of its riches – we ask your forgiveness,

For determination to change – we ask your strength,

For a better world for all – we ask your vision.

Amen.

View from Win Hill, Derbyshire - towards Ladybower